Reflective light valve modulator

ABSTRACT

PCT No. PCT/GB95/02061 Sec. 371 Date May 13, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date May 13, 1997 PCT Filed Sep. 1, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/08031 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 14, 1996A light valve modulator of reflective operation which includes a multi-layer structure which is controlled electrostatically, comprises a transparent substrate supporting a first transparent deformable layer and a second insulating dielectric deformable layer, with a mirror layer sandwiched between, and a third, dielectric insulating layer on the outside of the second layer, at least one of the layers between the second layer and the substrate being electrically conductive, and the third dielectric layer being capable of receiving an electric charge pattern by means of one or more electron beams, whereby the mirror layer is locally deformed by electrostatic forces occurring between the third layer and the conductive layer. The twin deformably layers allow good sensitivity, while the outside dielectric layer which receives charge from an electron beam protects the deformable layers from electron bombardment and the cathode from outgassing. The modulator is for use in display tubes, particularly for projection TV.



